TUBERCULOSIS IN BUFFALOS (SYNCERUS CAFFER) IN THE KRUGER-NATIONAL-PARK - SPREAD OF THE DISEASE TO OTHER SPECIES

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium bovis, was recently diagnosed in a cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), two lions (Panthera lee) and a chacma b aboon (Papio ursinus) from the Kruger National Park (KNP). It is assum ed that they contracted the disease directly or indirectly from tuberc ulous buffaloes in the park. Tuberculous granulomatous lesions in the lungs were extensive and constituted the predominant changes in all th ree animal species. These pulmonary lesions included tuberculous bronc hiolitis and cavitation which would facilitate dissemination of M. bov is into the environment, Spread of the disease to free-ranging species (in which it has not previously been reported) that may act as mainte nance hosts of the infection, is a matter of serious concern.